AIMS: Kia Cerato hatch added to line-up

Kia's best-selling model globally, Cerato, has today been joined by an all-new five-door hatch model, now the third member of the Cerato family.

First shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Kia anticipates a strong increase in demand for vehicles in the Cerato's C-segment with demand expected to hit 1.2 million units a year by 2012 -- a trend likely to be mirrored in Australia.

"The latest Cerato is designed to appeal especially to those consumers with young families who prefer a five-door hatchback for its style and enhanced practicality," said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow. 

"The availability of this third body style for our small passenger segment category will enable Kia dealers to meet the needs of a broader range of customers. This derivative will boost total Cerato sales to an even higher level across all Australian states.

"Most significantly, the new model is a continuation of the local ride and handling development work carried out by Kia Motors Australia on Sportage earlier this year and is another step in what will be an ongoing program of launching new vehicles in Australia which are locally adapted to suit Australian driver's discerning tastes."

As well as its all-new body shape, the new Cerato hatch brings revised styling, updated equipment and even more refinement to the range, a list of technical improvements and additional equipment set to join the remainder of the Cerato lineup from January.

Technically similar to its sedan and coupe siblings, Cerato hatch has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan, but the rear overhang is reduced by 190mm, as is the overall length, so the five-door model is 4340 mm long. Despite its more compact dimensions, the hatchback's cargo volume of 385 litres (VDA) is highly competitive in its class.

Styling for the new hatch, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, sees Cerato hatch receive a revised roof, rear side panels, C-pillar, tailgate (with rear spoiler), rear bumper, light clusters and two-tone spoiler. At the front, bold styling incorporates a new radiator grille, new lower air-intake grille and new-shape fog lamps. The door mirrors are new and offer an LED light guide, while the 17-inch alloy wheels come in a 'double five-spoke' design. The rear combination lamps, which have etching-processed lenses, are split across the tailgate shut line and a sporty rear diffuser allows the exhaust tailpipe to be displayed in the SLi model.

The new Cerato five-door hatch will arrive in Australia in a choice of nine colours which include Clear White, Ebony Black, Spicy Red and Racing Red, Metal Bronze, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Santorini Blue and Sweet Orange.

Inside, Cerato hatch includes high-tech features including steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (on automatic SLi models), folding key fob and keyless entry, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. A leather type boot gear lever gaiter is fitted, together with chrome edge trim around the twin cup holders and the centre console has a new premium style which contrasts nicely with the one tone black dash.

The new Cerato five-door Hatchback comes with two standard trim levels with the Si fitted with a black fabric tricot finish while the range topping SLi comes with the black fabric Mesh Rachel with red stitching and the option of black leather trim.

For maximum cabin versatility, this model's rear seat cushion and backrest are split 60:40 with the cushion flipping forwards and the backrest folding down to create a completely flat cargo floor. Cerato hatchback's innovative seating package allows rear seat passengers an additional 20mm of headroom.

To further improve passenger comfort, Kia's research and development team concentrated on maximising the vehicle's refinement, minimising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.

Additional sound-dampening foam is fitted in the A-, B- and C-pillars and the luggage bay side panels, the exterior cowling top panel is a heavier gauge steel, the interior dash-top padding has thicker insulation, the rear parcel tray has extra insulation and the trunk carpet is made from a heavier density material.

Under the bonnet the new Kia Cerato five-door is available with the same (115kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in its sedan and coupe siblings. 0-100km/h is managed in 9.1 seconds (manual).

New to the Cerato range, the five-door hatch introduces Kia's new six-speed automatic transmission, which comes equipped with a gate-type shift pattern and offers the driver fully automatic or Sport modes.  Sports mode is even further enhanced with the standard inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters providing fingertip control in the SLi model.

Other important mechanical features include MacPherson strut (front) / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (rear) suspension, the rear shock absorbers and coil springs mounted separately to minimise intrusion. Both the shock absorbers and springs received an AB tune and spring rate adjustment which is unique to the Australian models.

Steering comes courtesy of an electric power-assisted unit, also tuned for ‘local' feel. Powerful and stable braking is sourced via 280mm ventilated front discs and 262mm solid rear discs, anti-lock brakes and stability control.

The Cerato Hatchback also gets a six airbags as standard.

Sharing the stage the new Kia Optima will give punter their first glimpse at the Korean brand's impressive new sedan. Based in sister company Hyundai's i45, the Kia Optima will go on sale in Australia later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.

Kia Cerato hatch pricing:

Cerato Si hatch $20,240 (man.) / $22,240 (auto.)
Cerato SLi hatch $24,040 (man.) / $26,240 (auto.)

For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site